A Preview of Luxury Watches at the Giftex February 2026 Auction

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There’s something quietly powerful about a luxury watch.

Not just the weight of gold on the wrist or the gleam of a polished bezel, but the sense that you’re holding time itself in your hands. A vintage watch carries stories. It has ticked through decades, crossed generations, and witnessed moments that shaped lives. That’s the allure collectors can’t resist.

Luxury watches are not simply accessories. They are engineering feats; miniature mechanical worlds built with obsessive precision. And when time adds patina, when a dial softens in tone, or a case develops gentle character marks, the watch becomes even more compelling. It feels alive.

Collectors love this mix of artistry, history, and craftsmanship. The hunt is part of the thrill. And increasingly, the best place to find rare and vintage pieces isn’t a storefront. It’s trusted online auction houses like Giftex.

One upcoming event that every horological enthusiast should circle on their calendar is the Giftex Precious Collectibles Auction on 23–24 February 2026. Known for its carefully curated antique and vintage offerings, Giftex is dedicating a special section to timepieces in this sale. From Rolex to Omega to Patek Philippe to Chopard and more, the lineup is designed to make any serious watch lover pause and look twice.

In this preview, we’re giving you a closer look at the watches everyone is already talking about.

These are the pieces that will set bidding wars racing. Take a sneak peek with us and discover pieces that will capture your heart.

Also Read: Discover the Various Watch Case Materials

Preview of the Upcoming Giftex Online Auction

This upcoming auction will feature a wide range of remarkable collectibles, from rare silver pieces to fine jewellery, from elegant writing instruments to sought-after luxury watches.

In this preview, we’re focusing exclusively on the watches section, where craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless design come together in an exceptional lineup for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1. Lot 3

Patek Philippe Gondolo 18K Yellow Gold Wristwatch

Reference: 3519

Circa: 1960

Few names in watchmaking command the respect of Patek Philippe. The Gondolo line, inspired by early 20th-century designs, reflects classic elegance with clean geometry and understated sophistication.

This 18K yellow gold Gondolo from around 1960 is a pure expression of that philosophy. It features a manual-winding movement, calibre 23-300, with 18 jewels and a 44-hour power reserve. That calibre alone will interest collectors, as it represents a period when hand-wound movements were celebrated for their slimness and reliability.

The champagne dial is restrained and balanced. Applied index batons mark the hours, paired with crafted hands for hours and minutes.

The company-fitted acrylic crystal protects the dial, while the 18K yellow gold case and caseback offer warmth and presence. A polished bezel frames the dial, and the fluted crown adds a subtle decorative touch.

For collectors of vintage Patek Philippe, especially those drawn to mid-century dress watches, this lot is a standout. Expect strong interest when bidding opens.

2. Lot 195

Harry Winston Avenue 18K White Gold Wristwatch

Circa: 2000

Harry Winston is better known to many as the “King of Diamonds,” but the brand’s timepieces are equally luxurious. The Avenue collection is distinctive, with its rectangular case and Art Deco influence.

This 18K white gold Avenue wristwatch from around 2000 combines jewellery craftsmanship with horological design. It features a quartz movement, ensuring precision and low maintenance. 

The white dial is clean and legible, with applied Arabic numerals marking the hours. Crafted hands indicate hours and minutes beneath a company-fitted sapphire crystal. The bezel is diamond-set, offering a refined sparkle without overwhelming the watch’s lines. A blue cabochon crown adds a final touch of signature elegance.

This piece will appeal to collectors who appreciate watches that blur the line between fine jewellery and functional timekeeping.

3. Lot 244

Rolex Turn-O-Graph Stainless Steel Wristwatch

Reference: 6202

Circa: 1950

Rolex has long been known as a benchmark in watchmaking. The brand’s ability to combine durability, innovation, and timeless design has made it one of the most collected names in the world.

The Turn-O-Graph reference 6202 from around 1950 is a particularly interesting model. Often considered one of the early rotating bezel Rolex watches, it represents an important chapter in the brand’s evolution.

This example features a self-winding movement housed in a stainless steel case. The black dial is striking, with lume-filled applied circular hour markers, rectangular baton markers at 6 and 9 o’clock, and an inverted triangular marker at 12.

Collectors who appreciate early tool watches will see the historical value in this piece. It bridges the gap between classic dress Rolex models and the professional sports watches that followed.

4. Lot 231

Chopard Vintage Cocktail 18K White Gold Wristwatch

Reference: 4371

Circa: 1970

Chopard is known for precision and design, often blending traditional Swiss watchmaking with bold aesthetics. This vintage cocktail watch from around 1970 captures that spirit beautifully.

Housed in an 18K white gold case, the watch features a manual-winding movement. The white dial is refined, with applied dot indices at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, and a Roman numeral at 12. Crafted hands mark the hours and minutes beneath a sapphire crystal.

Cocktail watches have their own niche among collectors. They’re elegant, slightly playful, and often more decorative than purely functional. This Chopard is ideal for someone who appreciates vintage glamour and the artistry of gem-set watch design.

5. Lot 37

Rolex 18K White Gold Pocket Watch

Reference: 3727

Circa: 1970

There’s something undeniably romantic about a pocket watch. In earlier decades, a gentleman’s outfit felt incomplete without one. This vintage Rolex pocket watch in 18K white gold captures that old-world charm. Powered by a manual-winding movement, it features a silver-coloured dial with applied index batons and the Rolex signature emblem at 12 o’clock.

Crafted hands indicate hours and minutes beneath a mineral crystal. The 18K white gold case, bezel, and crown give it a substantial presence.

Pocket watches occupy a special place in collections. They’re less common today, which makes them stand out even more. For collectors who appreciate tradition and heritage, this lot offers a tangible connection to a different era of timekeeping.

Why Choose Giftex Online Auction

1. Curated Selection

The auction isn’t a random assortment of watches. Each piece is selected to appeal to serious collectors and enthusiasts.

2. Transparent Process

Clear lot descriptions, detailed information, and structured bidding create confidence. When you’re investing in a luxury timepiece, transparency matters.

3. Ease of Use

Online bidding allows you to participate from anywhere. Real-time monitoring keeps you informed, whether you’re tracking a single lot or several.

4. Market-Driven Pricing

At auction, pricing is decided by the market. Competitive bidding determines the final value. That dynamic often results in fair, sometimes surprisingly attractive, prices compared to retail.

Mark Your Calendar

The Giftex Precious Collectibles Auction on 23–24 February 2026 is shaping up to be a key event for watch lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned collector hunting for a specific reference or someone just beginning to explore vintage timepieces, this auction offers something worth watching.

If you’ve been waiting for the right piece to add to your collection, this might be the moment.

Register, review the catalogue carefully, and be ready when bidding begins. Because when it comes to exceptional vintage watches, timing really is everything.